Will Young opens up about crippling anxiety, panic attacks and trauma

Will Young says his crippling anxiety once left him unable to leave the house for days, and he recounts a panic attack that occurred while he was speaking with a postwoman. The British singer, who has previously disclosed a diagnosis of complex PTSD, described ongoing therapy and other coping approaches during a candid discussion with longtime friends Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball on their Dig It podcast.

Young has detailed how anxiety can manifest in ways that feel physical and isolating, not simply as worry. He said that at times his body experiences a surge of emotion and sensation before the mind can process what is happening, a pattern he attributes to stored trauma in the body driving present-day responses. He emphasized that his goal is to reframe his relationship with distress and to avoid piling on shame when strong feelings arrive. He described a regimen that includes working with a practitioner who helps address stored trauma in the body and practicing exercises that keep him from becoming overwhelmed.

On the program, Young explained that anxiety does not always present in the same way and can be intensified by everyday encounters, such as interacting with the postperson. He said the experience sometimes leaves him asking why he is having a panic attack in ordinary situations and stressed that he has learned to approach these moments with technique rather than judgment. For instance, he uses a form of thought-blocking when triggered, telling himself that certain thoughts are not useful in the moment, and he likened his practice to training at the gym that has taken years to master.

Gardening and time spent around animals have provided grounding for him, he added, and social connection has been integral to managing episodes. He noted that communicating with others and being open about his mental health has helped reduce the sense of isolation. He said his approach centers on staying connected, paying attention to the body’s signals, and not letting the mind run away with fear. He also highlighted the importance of reaching out to trusted people and sharing one’s struggles rather than struggling in silence.

Young has been open about the broader arc of his mental health journey. He has spoken in the past about having complex PTSD and about the extensive therapy he has pursued over the years. He has described periods of intense distress, including times when he could not leave home and experienced panic attacks on a seemingly routine basis. Those experiences contributed to his decision to pursue professional help and to devote time to practices that support emotional regulation, body awareness and acknowledgment of past traumas.

From the outset of his career, Young has faced difficult moments. He rose to fame after winning Pop Idol in 2002, a rise that came amid public scrutiny and backlash that he later described as leaving him feeling unwelcome in the music industry. He has also spoken about a high-profile, challenging period in 2016 when he attempted to participate in Strictly Come Dancing but withdrew after facing a prolonged breakdown marked by heightened agoraphobia and near-constant panic attacks. He has described that time as one of the hardest points of his career, yet he has used those experiences to emphasize the importance of treatment, self-care and seeking support.

In discussing his current mindset, Young urged listeners and fans to hear others who are going through similar mental health battles and to validate their experiences. He stressed that openness can help remove stigma and encourage others to seek help when they need it. While acknowledging the persistent challenge of anxiety, he conveyed a sense of progress and an ongoing commitment to therapy, body-based strategies and honest communication with loved ones.